'It's best to be extra cautious when dealing with the risk of a mysterious virus,' Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan said as he reversed a recent move to reopen the country's borders to short-term business travelers and international students.

South African health officials said that while they need more data to be sure, existing precautions and treatments seem to be effective against the new coronavirus variant.

President Biden updated the nation on the U.S. response to the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus. His remarks come as federal health officials urge vaccinations and as countries around the world institute travel restrictions to curb the variant's spread.

Dutch health officials reported at least 13 cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant among 61 infected passengers who arrived in the Netherlands on two flights from South Africa on Friday.

Sajid Javid, the U.K. health secretary, said the individuals were self-isolating as sequencing, contact tracing and further tests were being carried out. The British government confirmed the two cases of the new Omicron coronavirus variant were linked to travel in southern Africa.

An inflatable dinghy carrying migrants to Britain capsized in the English Channel. At least 27 people drowned in the frigid waters off the coast of France.

Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, is taking over the reins from Angela Merkel who has served as Germany's leader for the last 16 years. Mr. Scholz is expected to be sworn in as chancellor in December.

Travis McMichael; his father, Gregory McMichael; and their neighbor William Bryan, were found guilty of murder and other charges for the pursuit and fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man.

Fully vaccinated travelers entering the country next year will face significant restrictions, with a mandatory seven-day home isolation period, as well as tests on departure and arrival.

Jurors have reached a decision in the trial of the three men accused of killing Ahmaud Arbery. Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Bryan are charged with malice murder, and four other felonies for aggravated assault and false imprisonment.